BAY MINETTE, Ala. — Circuit Judge Charles Partin on Wednesday granted a state’s motion to continue the Stephen Nodine murder trial, but ordered the state to notify the court if the case will be retried.

Partin also granted a defense motion to release investigative evidence gathered by prosecutors, and delayed a venue change order until Baldwin County District Attorney Hallie Dixon determines if she will continue prosecution.

Dixon earlier said she would make a decision within the next two weeks. Nodine’s trial was set for Feb. 28.

A jury was deadlocked on murder and stalking charges during the December trial, but convicted Nodine of an ethics violation concerning personal use of a Mobile County vehicle.

He is charged in the murder of Angel Downs, who was found shot dead in her Gulf Shores condominium driveway.

Partin said he would continue the sentencing hearing on that conviction until adjudication of the murder and stalking charges.

Dixon, a deputy chief assistant DA and two investigators left for Georgia Monday to meet with Dr. James Downs, the paid forensics expert who testified against Stephen Nodine in the Angel Downs murder case in December. He is not related to the victim.

Dixon said she planned to meet with Downs’ family members in Georgia if they are available, according to a press release. Dixon met last week with members of Downs’ family who live in Baldwin County.